){kind=icon}
Cloud services power nearly every aspect of our digital lives. From photo backups and document storage to streaming platforms and workplace tools, most people rely on cloud accounts every day. But as more personal data moves online, cloud platforms have become a major target for scammers.
Whether it’s phishing emails pretending to be from Microsoft, fake login pages for Google Drive, or malicious links disguised as shared documents, cloud scams are becoming increasingly common — and increasingly convincing. If a cyber criminal gains access to your cloud account, they may be able to view private files, steal personal information, or even break into other connected accounts.
This guide breaks down what cloud scams are, the risks involved, and the practical steps you can take to protect your data.
Don’t fall victim to cloud scams
Get protected against online scams with F‑Secure
What is a cloud scam?
A cloud scam is any attempt by a cyber criminal to trick you into giving up access to your cloud account or the data stored within it. Because cloud accounts often connect to many other apps and services, a single compromise can have far-reaching consequences.
Cloud scams typically involve:
Fake login pages designed to collect your username and password
Phishing emails pretending to come from trusted cloud providers
Malicious files or links sent through collaboration tools
Attempts to access backup codes or multi-factor authentication (MFA) details
Subscription fraud or fake “storage limit” warnings
Scammers target cloud accounts because they can contain everything from tax documents and ID scans to work files, passwords, financial information, and private messages.
Why are cloud scams increasing?
Cloud scams are rising quickly, largely because more of our personal and professional lives now live online. Analysts predict that by 2025, global cloud storage is expected to exceed 200 zettabytes of data — an enormous amount that includes everything from personal photos and ID documents to business files, contact lists, passwords and payment information. With so much valuable data concentrated in a handful of cloud services, these accounts have become prime targets for cyber criminals.
Cloud services are attractive to scammers for several reasons:
1. Huge amounts of valuable data
A cloud account often contains years of information — personal photos, business documents, contact lists, saved passwords, and more. For a cyber criminal, this kind of data can be extremely profitable.
2. One breach can unlock many accounts
Cloud platforms often act as identity providers (e.g., “Sign in with Google” or “Sign in with Microsoft”). If your cloud login is compromised, scammers can gain access to multiple accounts instantly.
3. Cloud scams blend in with everyday alerts
Cloud notifications about security, storage limits, or shared files are normal. Scammers imitate these messages, knowing people are used to receiving them.
4. AI-powered attacks are getting harder to spot
Scam emails now use polished language, brand-accurate visuals, and personalized details — making them more believable than ever.
Because of these factors, cloud scams require a mix of awareness and strong security tools to defend against.
Common cloud scams
1. Fake shared-document notifications
Scammers send emails or messages claiming someone has shared a file with you on services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox or iCloud. The link takes you to a fake login page that looks identical to the real thing. Once you enter your details, scammers capture them immediately.
Red flags:
Unexpected shared files
Slightly incorrect email domains
Links that open login screens without showing who shared the file
How to stay safe:
Open cloud drives directly rather than through email links.
Check the sender’s full email address.
Use security tools that warn you about fake or unsafe sites.
2. Fake “storage full” alerts
Many cloud platforms send storage-limit alerts when you’re running out of space. Scammers copy these messages, claiming your account will be locked unless you upgrade immediately.
Red flags:
Pressure to pay quickly
Poorly formatted emails
Links leading to pages that ask for full card details
How to stay safe:
Check your storage status directly in your app.
Never upgrade through an email.
3. Session hijacking scams
Scammers may pose as Microsoft, Apple, or Google support teams using email, social media, or even phone calls. They claim to have detected a problem, then direct victims to fake support portals.
Red flags:
Unsolicited support contact
Requests for remote access
Messages asking you to “verify your identity” through a link
How to stay safe:
Cloud providers will not contact you directly unless you open a support ticket.
Never allow remote access from someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Remember that, while convenient, free Wi-Fi is not inherently safe, and if you have sensitive tasks to perform or accounts to log into, it’s better to wait until you can use your own encrypted network.
4. Account recovery scams
In these scams, a cyber criminal triggers multiple login attempts on your account to generate security alerts. They then contact you (often pretending to be support staff), offering help to “restore” or “unlock” your account.
Their goal is to convince you to hand over your password or multi-factor authentication codes.
Red flags:
Messages claiming to be “security support”
Requests for verification codes
Urgent instructions to click recovery links
How to stay safe:
Never share MFA codes.
Contact cloud support only through official websites.
How to avoid cloud scams
While cloud platforms offer strong security features, many scams rely on human error. These best practices can help keep your accounts safe:
1. Use strong, unique passwords
Cloud accounts should have the strongest passwords you use. Avoid reusing passwords across different platforms, and use a secure password generator tool.
2. Enable multi-factor authentication
Adding a second layer of verification makes your account significantly harder to compromise.
3. Be cautious with links
Always open cloud services manually rather than through email prompts.
4. Regularly review connected apps
Remove old apps or tools that no longer need access to your account.
5. Update your devices
Security updates close weaknesses that malware might exploit.
6. Consider identity and scam-protection tools
Automatic protection can block malicious links, warn you about fake sites, and alert you if your personal details appear in a breach — helping you stay protected even if you miss a red flag.
What to do if you’re scammed
If you suspect that you’ve fallen victim to a cloud scam, follow these steps straightaway:
Log out of all active sessions
Enable MFA if you haven’t already
Scan for malware and remove it from your system
Contact others who use the cloud such as co-workers or family members to let them know
)